Top 10 family events in January

By Liz Petroff | December 2016

A new year and a new month means resolutions, goals and new calendars. Open your blank day planner and let us help you fill the days with these events to keep you and your family fit, enriched and glowing! Here’s what’s going on this month around the Valley. Soar to the clouds or hit the ground running.

Sports

➊ Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona features a two-day Health and Fitness Expo along with a Kids Rock fun run, plus a 5K, 10K, half-marathon and a full marathon that runs through Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe.
• Kids Rock. This 1-mile fun run is for children in grades K-6. Each child will receive a race bib, T-shirt, goodie bag and a medal. 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 14. $26. Start and finish at Tempe Beach Park, Mill Avenue and Rio Solado Boulevard.
• Arizona Marathon and Half-Marathon. Enjoy live bands, cheer teams, spirited water stations, entertainment and epic views along the course. 7:50 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 15. $100-$110. The half marathon steps off at University Drive and College Avenue in Tempe; the marathon begins at the Arizona Center (Van Buren and Third streets in Phoenix). Finish lines for both races are at Rio Salado Parkway in Tempe. runrocknroll.com.

➌ Waste Management Phoenix Open. It’s called “the greatest show on grass,” but the golf is just part of the fun — the weeklong event offers outstanding people-watching. Spectators can watch the Special Olympics Open, the Pro Wives Charity Open and the Pro-Am leading up to the ticketed PGA Tour. Enjoy live entertainment in the Coors Light Birds Nest each night for an additional cost. Jan. 30 through Feb. 5. 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free general admission on Ford Free Days (Monday and Tuesday); $40 Wednesday through Sunday; free for ages 17 and younger with a paying adult. TPC Scottsdale, 17020 N. Hayden Road. 800-745-3000 or wmphoenixopen.com.

Lights of the World Latern Festival continues through Sunday, Jan. 29, at Rawhide Western Town. Photo www.facebook.com/Lightsoftheworldus

➎ Lights of the World Lantern Festival. The “world’s largest lantern festival” has arrived in Arizona. The event, which runs through Sunday, Jan. 29, combines the ancient Chinese tradition of lantern festivals with modern light displays. There are 75 displays showcasing cultures and cuisines from around the globe. Entertainment and carnival rides (for an additional cost) also are featured. 5-10 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, 5-11 p.m. Fridays, 3-11 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. $24; $14.99 for ages 3-12; $19.99 for ages 65 and older. Parking is $10 (cash only). Rawhide Western Town and Event Center, 5700 W. North Loop Road, Gila River Reservation. 480-502-5600 or rawhide.com or lightsoftheworldus.com.

➏ Doggie Street Festival. This second annual festival in Steele Indian School Park features a dog and cat adopt-a-thon and family-friendly atmosphere with food, music, veterinarian tips, a kids-art area and more. Friendly dogs are welcome. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 28 (enter on Central Avenue north of Indian School Road). 323-445-5087 or doggiestreetfestival.org.

The Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair takes to the air Friday through Sunday, Jan. 13-15, in Lake Havasu City. courtesy of the Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair.

Hot-air balloons

➐ Glitter and Glow Block Party. This Glendale Glitters balloon festival is a great way to soak in the last of the holiday season with dozens of tethered hot-air balloons and live music. 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7. Murphy Park, Glendale and 58th avenues. 623-930-2299 or glendaleaz.com.

➑ Havasu Balloon Festival and Fair. The theme for this annual festival is “Bubbles and Balloons Above Buckets of Fun.” Expect to see new shaped balloons; take a ride in a balloon or a tethered balloon for an additional cost. Balloon teams will talk about the art and history of the sport. $15 for all three days. Friday through Sunday, Jan. 13-15. Nautical Beachfront Resort, 1000 McCulloch Blvd., Lake Havasu City. 928-505-2440 or havasuballoonfest.com.

➒ Arizona Balloon Classic. This event features hot-air balloon races and evening “glows.” The festival includes a family-fun zone, food and shopping. Proceeds benefit Ryan House in Phoenix, which provides palliative care to medically fragile children and their families. Balloons launch at 7:45 a.m. Friday through Sunday, Jan. 20-22. $15; free to active military members and ages 12 and younger. Parking is $10. Prices vary for balloon rides and tethered-balloon rides. Fear Farm Sports and Entertainment Complex, 2209 N. 99th Ave., Phoenix. abcfest.com.

Celebrations

➓ Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday, Jan. 16. Several celebrations of the slain civil-rights leader are planned across the Valley to promote diversity, awareness and unity, including the MLK March and Festival in Phoenix. The march begins at 9 a.m. at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1401 E. Jefferson St., and culminates at Margaret T. Hance Park, 1200 N. Third St., for a festival with food, entertainment and speakers until 4 p.m. Free. 602-513-8311 or azmlk.org.

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